Quantcast
‘Metro Magic,’ bright season – Metro US

‘Metro Magic,’ bright season

Metro would like to say “thank you” to all our readers who donated a toy to Metro Magic, our first-ever holiday toy drive.

On Monday, the U.S. Marines who run Toys for Tots came to our office in Lower Manhattan and picked up more than 500 toys donated by generous readers like you.

“This was the largest pickup of the day,” U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. John Potter said as he carried box after box of toys out of Metro’s office. “We will easily fill the van.”

“There are a lot of selfless people who are really giving here,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Cardona. “The readers are really in tune with the season.”

Thanks to the toy drive’s tremendous response, at least 500 more New York City children will have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning. The Marines distribute the toys to homeless shelters, nonprofit community centers and safe houses for abused women and children.

Metro was so inspired by our readers’ thoughtfulness that we have decided to make charity and giving part of our regular coverage throughout next year.

In 2011, look forward to stories about a group that collects winter coats, a nonprofit that sends kids to the Super Bowl and a man from Queens who is rowing — yes, rowing — across the Atlantic Ocean to raise AIDS awareness.

There are hundreds of New Yorkers out there giving back in unique ways, and we think it’s time their stories are told.